Treatment of Iron deficiency anemia

Iron supplements (most often ferrous sulfate) are needed to build up the iron stores in your body. Most of the time, your doctor or nurse will measure your iron levels before starting supplements.

If you cannot take iron by mouth, you may need to take it through a vein (intravenous) or by an injection into the muscle.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women will need to take extra iron because they often cannot get enough iron from their normal diets.

Your hematocrit should return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy. You will need to keep taking iron for another 6 to 12 months to replace the body's iron stores in the bone marrow.

Iron-rich foods include:

Chicken and turkey

Dried lentils, peas, and beans

Fish

Meats (liver is the highest source)

Peanut butter

Soybeans

Whole-grain bread

Other sources include:

Oatmeal

Raisins, prunes, and apricots

Spinach, kale, and other greens

Prognosis (Outlook)

With treatment, the outcome is likely to be good. However, it does depend on the cause.

When to Contact a Health Professional

Call your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of iron deficiency

You notice blood in your stool

Prevention of Iron deficiency anemia

A balanced diet should include enough iron. Red meat, liver, and egg yolks are high sources of iron. Flour, bread, and some cereals are fortified with iron. If advised by your doctor, take iron supplements if you are not getting enough iron in your diet.

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